Implications of cytoskeletal interactions for cellular architecture and behaviour

Abstract

The three major filamentous components of the cytoskeleton (microfilaments, microtubules and intermediate filaments) do not just coexist in the cell, but interact with each other in various ways. This paper discusses some examples of structural interactions visualized in critical-point-dried cells by stereoscopic high-voltage electron microscopy. The relative contribution of two classes of interactions to the consolidation of different cytoskeletal domains is considered. One class is represented by T-junctions (end-to-side contacts) of actin filaments with other filaments, and the other by 3 nm links. Attention is then turned to what may be called the behavioural consequences of cytoskeletal interactions. As an example of a coordinated interplay between events at the cell membrane and the cytoskeleton, we discuss changes in cytoskeletal organization of polymorphonuclear leucocytes upon stimulation with a chemotactic factor. These changes culminate in some cells in centriole separation and the establishment of two microtubule asters, each centred around a single centriole.